Queensberry Bay Holiday Park

Caerlaverock is a moated castle on the southern coast of Scotland, about seven miles south of Dumfries. Its triangular shape is unique among British castles, and it has a wide moat, a twin-towered gatehouse and lofty battlements. First built in the 13th century, it was the stronghold of the Maxwell family and was besieged by the English during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Tip: Head up to the South range for the best views over the moat, then follow the short nature trail to the older castle's foundations.

Annandale Distillery in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, makes single malt Scotch whisky and describes itself as Scotland's only single cask single malt distillery. Every cask is bottled on its own, never vatted. The distillery was founded in 1836, closed in 1924 and was restored after 2007, and it now sits beside a visitor centre.

Tip: Finish your visit with a stop at the Maltings Coffee Shop.

Carlisle Castle guarded the western end of the Anglo-Scottish border for hundreds of years and survived seven sieges by the Scots between 1174 and 1461. It was later adapted for artillery, and in 1568 it held Mary Queen of Scots prisoner. It stayed in military use well into the 20th century.

Tip: Booking advance tickets online saves 15%, and arriving by bus, train or bike gets you 20% off entry at the site on the day.

Sweetheart Abbey is a Cistercian monastery founded in 1273 in the village of New Abbey, about 8 miles south of Dumfries. Dervorguilla of Galloway founded it in memory of her husband, John de Balliol. She kept his embalmed heart in an ivory and silver casket for the rest of her life, and it was buried alongside her. She named the abbey Dulce Cor, Latin for Sweet Heart.

Hermitage Castle is a semi-ruined stronghold in the remote valley of the Hermitage Water, in Scotland's wild border country. It was targeted for 400 years because of its role in controlling the Scottish Middle March, and it has a name as one of the most sinister and atmospheric castles in Scotland.

Tip: In the summer season (1 April to 31 October) it is covered by the Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass, but not in winter, so check before you go.

Drumlanrig Castle is the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, set on the Queensberry Estate in Dumfries and Galloway. Built between 1679 and 1689 from distinctive pink sandstone, the "Pink Palace" overlooks the Nith Valley and has 120 rooms, 17 turrets and four towers. Inside is part of the Buccleuch art collection, including Rembrandt's An Old Woman Reading, along with tapestries and other objects of art.

Vindolanda was a Roman auxiliary fort just south of Hadrian's Wall, near the village of Bardon Mill in Northumberland. It was occupied from roughly 85 AD to 370 AD and is one of Europe's most important Roman archaeological sites, with live excavations taking place every year.

Tip: Combine it with the Roman Army Museum on one Saver Ticket, and check the tour timetable for the guided fort tours.

Brougham Castle is a red-sandstone castle standing near the site of a Roman fort, guarding a river crossing south-east of Penrith. It was founded in the early 13th century by Robert de Vieuxpont, and his great keep still dominates the site. The powerful Clifford family later added more buildings, including an unusual double gatehouse and the Tower of League.

Tip: Head up the spiral stairs to the top of the keep for panoramic views over the Eden Valley.